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Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas are all international stars who are idolised at their clubs. For these exceptional individuals accolades and praise are additionally forthcoming from the media and football pundits. A quick snapshot of the Premier League would reveal players not equally gifted but similarly admired by their respective fans. Lining up in a trusty 4-4-2 formation, below are eleven important league players who are rarely recipients of wider recognition. Fantasy football managers on a budget take note!
Goalkeeper
Matthew Gilks
If Chelsea’s weekend fixture against Blackpool could have resulted in a cricket score, the inability of the Londoners to add to their first half haul can be attributed to Gilks. The English stopper arrived at Bloomfield Road after being released by Norwich City in 2008. He had to battle for the first place spot initially but has made the position his own. He made a series of tremendous saves away to Newcastle, ranging from athletic punches to blocking shots with his feet.
Defence
Tony Hibbert
Hibbert is a lifelong Blue but has not always been a mainstay in Everton’s back four, often sidelined by the reliable Phil Neville. But given an extended run of games in the side, he displays his ability as a tough, uncompromising tackler who can venture forward.
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Scott Dann
Birmingham’s success last season was built on the foundations of a stern defensive line-up. The 23-year old was an important part of that robust defence alongside the likes of Roger Johnson and Stephen Carr. He assisted Cameron Jerome’s header and scored an unfortunate own goal at the weekend but is generally calm and comfortable in the air.
Aaron Hughes
Brede Hangeland frequently takes the plaudits in the Fulham defence but his towering presence disguises the consistent, invaluable work of Northern Ireland captain, Hughes. Having played the bulk of his career at Newcastle and experienced a brief stint at Villa Park, he has found his home at Craven Cottage. His composure and quality on the ball means this centre-back can play across the backline and in midfield.
Maynor Figueroa
The 27-year old Honduran left-back had been tipped to team up with his former manager, Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light. Roberto Martinez has been understandably steadfast in the face of such transfer speculation, indicating his importance to the team. Wigan have leaked goals this season but Figueroa brings exceptional quality from free-kicks. His striking technique was recognised by all after he scored from his own half against Stoke last season.
Head to PAGE 2 for the midfield four…
Midfield
Lee Chung Yong
The South Korean has brought a dash of cosmopolitan air to the Reebok Stadium. He scored against Uruguay and Argentina in South Africa but this would not have astounded Bolton fans who have witnessed the winger’s elegance and skill on the ball. The ‘Blue Dragon’ scored five in 21 appearances last season and set up countless more goals. Bolton’s Player of the Year last season was devilishly effective from the right flank.
Chris Brunt
The Northern Ireland international was West Brom’s joint top scorer last season with 13 Championship goals. He caught the eye, however, in the previous season despite suffering relegation from the PL under Tony Mowbray. He was also top scorer that season with eight goals, improving his tally after moving to the right wing. Owner of a mighty left foot, Brunt has additionally operated in a more central position. Having won promotion to the PL for a second time with the Baggies, he was rewarded with a new contract this summer.
Steed Malbranque
The former Tottenham midfielder was disciplined by Steve Bruce last season after breaking a club curfew before a match at the Emirates. However speculation that the Frenchman could be leaving Wearside was wide of the mark considering his popularity amongst the crowd. He moved from the right to the left flank last term, proving a danger by cutting inside on his stronger foot. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in work rate, determination and technique.
Clint Dempsey
The attack minded midfielder has acknowledged his vertiginous ascent since joining Fulham in 2007. His goals and assists are attributable to his quick, elusive movement. He has excelled since Fulham’s relegation escape and scored with a sublime chip to earn the Cottagers a 5-4 aggregate victory over Juventus in the Europa League last season. He scored three in five internationally as the USA went to the final of the Confederations Cup in 2009. His single goal at the World Cup was more fortuitous.
Head to PAGE 3 for the deadly front two…
Forwards
Nikola Kalinic
A remarkable goal scoring record for Hadjuk Split led Slaven Bilic to describe Kalinic as, “the future of Croatian football.” That opinion may have seemed overstated after his first season at Ewood Park which brought a return of two goals in 14 PL starts. Since the new year he has appeared more confident, netting five in domestic cup competitions and utilising his height and skill to great effect. He displayed a typical striker’s instinct when he capitalised on Tim Howard’s inexplicable spill earlier this season.
Kevin Doyle
The arrival of Steven Fletcher at Molineaux means the Irish international, Doyle is no longer Wolves’ record signing. The former Reading man scored 13 top flight goals for the Royals in the 2006/07 season. Being one of their most dependable performers there were a host of clubs vying for his signature when the Berkshire club were reluctantly looking to offload the star forward. He was the Player’s Player of the Season at Wolves last term, finishing on nine PL goals. Despite being under 6ft tall, the Irish international is a handful in the air, has strength and can run with the ball. He recently scored with a spectacular left-footed effort for his country against Andorra.
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